Two-month diversion of 16 miles during £150,000 repairs to bridge

A £150,000 bridge repair project will see motorists facing a 16-mile diversion.

Repairs to the B1166 Gravel Causeway bridge over the River Welland, at Crowland, are due to get under way on Wednesday, January 4.

Initially the five span concrete bridge, built in 1953, will be open to traffic and managed by temporary traffic lights, but a full closure to motorists is planned for a fortnight from Monday, February 20. Pedestrian access will be ongoing.

Andrew Antcliff, Lincolnshire County Council senior bridge engineer, said: “These extensive repairs will protect the bridge structure for the future and ensure it will remain in good condition for generations to come.
“Where possible the works will be carried out under temporary traffic lights, to keep disruption to drivers, residents and businesses to a minimum.
“Some road closures will be required due to the narrow width of the bridge, to ensure work can be completed safely.”

During closures a diversion route will be signposted via Deeping St Nicholas and Cowbit, using the B1166, A16, A1175, B1525, B1166 and vice-versa.
Parking will be available on the east of the bridge during the road closure, so anyone wishing to park and walk across the bridge can do so.

Temporary traffic signals will cover the junction on the west side, and a temporary 30mph speed limit will be enforced at the site during the works.

Much of the concrete repair works will be carried out from below the bridge using a floating pontoon in the River Welland, so contractors working at the site may not always be visible from the road. Pleasure craft and other waterway users will still be able to use the river and adjacent slipway and moorings.